Six months ago, Indy was left to die in an alley, where he was found suffering from third-degrees burns over half his body

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Jenny Mandel, a veterinary technician at Westlake Village Animal Hospital, plays with her new dog, Indy, after officially adopting him on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014. The young pit bull was found badly burned by fireworks during the Fourth of July weekend the year before.

Updated at 11:42 PM PST on Wednesday, Jan 15, 2014

A young pit bull who made an “unbelievable” recovery after being badly burned by fireworks last Fourth of July was adopted Wednesday by one of the vets who helped him become a happy, tail-wagging pup again.

Nicknamed Indy (short for Independence), the roughly 3-year-old pit bull was found July 5, 2013, in a Van Nuys alley suffering from third-degree burns over half his body, including on his stomach, legs and paws. Doctors believe he had been strapped with fireworks and lit ablaze.

"Prognosis Is Good" for Pup Injured by Fireworks

A 2-year-old pit bull who may have been intentionally injured by fireworks underwent the latest in a series of surgeries Friday. A well-known burn specialist who typically works with humans has been called in to treat the pup, dubbed Independence. Kathy Vara reports for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on July 12, 2013. (Published Friday, Jul 12, 2013)

Indy was brought to the Shelter Transport Animal Rescue Team (S.T.A.R.T.) a shy, timid pup who stepped gingerly around his kennel.

Dog "Indy" Hurt By Firework Is Almost Fully Healed

Indy, the sweet pit bull who was seriously injured by a firework on the Fourth of July, is doing remarkably well. Indy is almost completely healed from the third degree burns, and now is in training working on his obedience. Kathy Vara reports for the NBC4 News at 6 p.m. on Nov. 19, 2013. (Published Tuesday, Nov 19, 2013)

Six months of recovery and therapy later, Indy – called a “ladies man” by rescuers – found his "fur-ever" home.

“Oh my gosh. This is a little more emotional than I planned. This is awesome,” Jenny Mandel, a veterinary technician at Westlake Village Animal Hospital and Indy’s new mom, said as she signed the adoption papers.

Police are looking for a man who was seen yanking Indy by his collar out of the truck bed.

Indy’s new owner said that while none of his injuries were internal, the pup has developed some “nuances” that betray his past ordeal, like an occasional limp and the tendency to get physically tired faster than other dogs his age and breed.

But as for Indy’s future, Mandel summed it up simply: “Lots of love, kisses – that’s the expectation for the rest of his life.”